[Captain D]

I get a knocking sound when I turn sharp (left or right). This knocking sound is apparent mostly at idle or slightly above. Mostly because I turn sharper at these speeds for manoeuvering. Doesn't matter if I'm in forward, neutral or reverse.

Any ideas???

[kylakerat]

It's likely one of two things, or maybe both

It's the gimble bearing or the u-joints, with the u-joints being more likely the culprit. But, once one goes, it's best to just replace them both then you know you're good to go.

I had the same problem so I replaced my gimble bearing only to have the problem come back withing an hour. (I greased the u-joints while I had everything apart) So, I replace the gimble bearing again, thinking I somehow damaged the first one installing it. Still the same sound once in the water. Finally replaced the u-joints and I'm noise free for my third year now.

For what it's worth, I inspected the u-joints both times I replaced the gimble bearing, and again when I went to replace them. There was no visible play in any of the cups or in the assemble as a whole. But, there was obviously enough to make the noise.

[ShabahZ280]

sounds like a bad gimbal bearing to me.

[SEMIJim]

Before you get too excited, check this thread: Outdrive "Click"ing?

Summary: Could be nothing more than your swim ladder or something else rattling around.

Jim

[Captain D]

Thanks Jim,

I'll definately try that out tonight BUT. My knocking sound does it even in NEUTRAL with the wheel hard to either side. The knocking increases in frequency with the RPM level.

But I'll still give the ladder idea a try. Anything to get rid of this. I purchased the boat last year (used). I'ts been doing this since day one and I'm determined to get rid of this.

Captain D

[300sflyer]

When you replace the u-joints, try to find ones that have grease fittings. This way whenever the drive is pulled, a few shots with the grease gun and you are good to go again.

[Captain D]

Hi Guys,

I tried my boat out again this weekend. Unfortunately it wasn't the ladder. BUT I did notice that when the trim is almost to all the way up (trim only - before trailer mode) the knocking sound when I turn all the way (starboard or port) dissapears.

Does this still point in the direction of the u-joints & gimble bearing.

If it does. How hard is it to change these? I'm pretty mechanically inclined. And approx. how long?

Thanks for all your help. This site is fantastic for al sorts of information. But I'm getting a little addicted.

Captain D

[indykoch]

I'm willing to bet it's your u-joints, but you should also do the gimbal bearing while you're in there. Unfortunately, it takes quite a bit of time and special tools, but you'd probably save a good $500 or more for labor by doing it yourself.

Here's a good link that explains most of it... http://www.sterndrives.com/replace_a...e_bellows.html